Lower Dens

Growing up in a very small town in Texas, I had to take musical shelter in the only place I could find it – a public radio station on the far left hand side of the dial called KNON.  It was the early 80’s and I remember hearing R.E.M., Sex Pistols, Joy Division and a ton more for the very first time and thinking “this is what it’s supposed to sign like.”

Fast-forward almost 30 years and I’m feeling like a kid again.  On their latest album Twin Hand Movement, Baltimore based Lower Dens deliver a raw and very powerful ode to a time of Alt-Rock and a spirit of adventurism.  80’s flavored for sure, this record is filled with longing, the search for redemption and the quest for fulfilled dreams and promises.

Lead singer Jana Hunter’s voice glides effortless across the muted tones of guitars and drums and lands perfectly in the heart of the unknown.  And these kids are content to stay there – In the perfect world of a “post-urban porthole.”

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

Andy Bell, Non-Stop

To label this as only a “pop” record would be unfair.  This is pop, house, electro and disco-glam all combined in to one campy cup of perfection.  Non-Stop, the second solo album from Erasure front man Andy Bell, illustrates his on-going love affair with the nightlife and club culture in general.

Occupying the same music space currently reserved for artists like Laroux, Robyn and Kylie Minogue, Bell shows his veteran chops are still as relevant as they ever were.  With production from Pascal Gabriel (Ladyhawke, Little Boots), Non-Stop is a record that is sure to keep hips wiggling and butts jiggling.

With cameos from Perry Farrell (Janes Addiction) and Vince Clarke (Erasure), Andy not only shows his diversity, but his sense for exactly what it takes to make a brilliant record – collaboration, class and did I mention camp?

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews

Light Pollution

Described as “pop psychedelia,” and inspired by bands like Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear, Chicago’s very own Light Pollution conjure up whimsical sounds and elaborate arrangements all designed to rustle the spirit and stimulate the soul.

On their debut album Apparitions, plucked keys, bashed bells and slapped tambourines all combine to form a sound unique to the band but altogether familiar to the listener.

With their driving rhythms and lush orchestration, Light Pollution have ensured the only phantasmal about Apparitions is the empty feeling you’ll have when you stop listening to it.

TAGS: Reviews, Music Reviews